ACA response to CA independent review announcement

01 May 2018

ACA President Greg Dyer has responded to the announcement today by Cricket Australia (CA) regarding its two reviews into Australian cricket – the independent culture, organisational and governance review and the player conduct review (the McCosker review).

Speaking of the independent culture, organisational and governance review, Dyer commented on its scope.

“Culture starts at the top and we welcome investigation in to all aspects of cricket’s culture, organisational structure and governance.

“The ACA outlined proposed Terms of Reference earlier in April and it is pleasing that much of the detail has been adopted.

“There is a desire to see significant and lasting change aimed at improving cricket’s culture and governance, and the accountability of those who are responsible for running it.”

Dyer also talked of the critical need for transparency in this process.

“The recent disclosures of the Finance and Banking Royal Commission demonstrate how ‘independent’ reviews must be, and must be seen to be, exactly that – independent.

Speaking of the proposed ACA Terms of Reference, Dyer did however believe it was a shame that CA had not taken the ACA up on its offer to work collaboratively on this review to regain the trust in Australian cricket.

“Australian cricket is hurting.

“The ACA offered to work alongside CA in this review to help regain the trust of the public and the fans. Today’s announcement is a disappointment from that perspective.

“Whether real or perceived, there will be a degree of scepticism in the community surrounding this review given that the level of involvement sought by the ACA has not been heeded.”

And whilst CA’s announcement listed a broad range of stakeholders with whom it would consult, Dyer was concerned at the lack of clarity around whether government, broadcasters, grassroots and junior cricket clubs and the general public would be called to make submissions.

“CA’s broadcast partners and sponsors, past and present, are also important in this process.

“Fans and those at local cricket clubs should also be afforded the right to provide their input and help improve the culture of our game. The government is also a key stakeholder and funder of grassroots cricket and in our view must be involved.”

Dyer then outlined how the ACA would provide input in the process that CA has announced.

“The ACA and the players we represent, past, present and future, are not simply a ‘stakeholder’ in the game.

“The players are genuine partners in the game and should be treated as such.

“Given that we have not been offered to co-chair this review, we will instead seek to make submissions driven by a desire to see significant and lasting change in Australian cricket.”

Speaking of the player conduct review to be led by Rick McCosker, Dyer flagged the need for any recommendations from this group to follow the international player conduct review currently being undertaken by the ICC.

“We are concerned that our players may be subject to conditions which could be different from those that apply to players from other countries against which they play.

“Changes to player behaviour, expectations or sanctions must be aligned with those which would be handed down to players on both sides of international cricket matches.

“These are fundamental matters which go the integrity and fairness of our game.”